Antarctica21 Opens 2028-29 Antarctic Air-Cruise Bookings with Record 47 Departures from Chile

Antarctica21 opens 2028-29 Antarctic air-cruise bookings with a record 47 departures from Chile, marking a major expansion of its polar expedition programme. Celebrating 25 years of Antarctic operations, the company is introducing more travel dates, two purpose-built expedition vessels and early-booking savings of up to US$5,000 per person.

Antarctica21 Announces Its Largest Antarctic Air-Cruise Season

Antarctica21 has officially opened reservations for its 2028-29 Antarctic air-cruise season, announcing 47 scheduled departures, the highest number offered in a single season throughout the company’s history.

The expansion coincides with the company’s 25th anniversary of Antarctic air-cruise operations and reflects its continued investment in expedition tourism, specialised vessels and more flexible travel opportunities.

All departures will begin and end in Punta Arenas, Chile, providing international travellers with a consistent gateway for their Antarctic expeditions.

The programme will operate aboard two purpose-built expedition vessels, Magellan Explorer and Magellan Discoverer, allowing Antarctica21 to offer its broadest selection of departure dates.

Chile Strengthens Its Position as a Gateway to Antarctica

Punta Arenas plays an important role in Antarctica21’s operating model, connecting international visitors with Antarctic expedition experiences.

Unlike conventional Antarctic cruises that cross the Drake Passage by sea, Antarctica21’s air-cruise programme allows passengers to fly directly to Antarctica before boarding their expedition vessel.

The flight takes approximately two hours, replacing a sea crossing that typically requires around two days each way.

This approach reduces the time spent travelling across the Drake Passage and allows guests to devote more of their holiday to exploring Antarctica.

For international visitors, the arrangement also simplifies expedition planning by providing a single departure and return city.

However, Antarctic flights remain dependent on suitable weather conditions, and travellers should allow flexibility in their arrangements.

Two Purpose-Built Ships Support Expanded Polar Expeditions

The 2028-29 season will operate entirely aboard Magellan Explorer and Magellan Discoverer.

Both vessels form part of Antarctica21’s specialised expedition fleet, designed to support Antarctic exploration while providing boutique accommodation and onboard services.

Using two purpose-built ships allows the company to increase its scheduled departure opportunities without changing its established air-cruise model.

The expanded programme includes Classic Antarctica and Polar Circle itineraries, catering to travellers interested in exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding polar environment.

Expedition activities are designed around opportunities to observe Antarctic landscapes, marine wildlife and the region’s distinctive natural environment.

Actual landings, wildlife encounters and exploration routes remain subject to weather, sea ice and operational conditions.

Early Booking Savings Reach US$5,000 Per Person

To encourage advance reservations, Antarctica21 has introduced an early-booking promotion for the 2028-29 season.

Travellers can receive savings of up to US$5,000 per person on eligible Classic Antarctica and Polar Circle air-cruise departures.

The promotion applies to new bookings made before 31 January 2027, subject to the availability of allocated cabins.

The offer may close earlier if the designated promotional inventory sells out.

For travellers considering Antarctica, the extended booking window provides an opportunity to plan international flights, expedition arrangements and holiday budgets well in advance.

Travel advisers and tour operators can also use the announced departure schedule to develop long-term polar travel packages.

Explorers House Enhances the Punta Arenas Experience

Another feature of Antarctica21’s programme is access to Explorers House, the company’s private expedition club in Punta Arenas.

The facility forms part of the wider Antarctic travel experience, giving guests access to a dedicated space associated with their expedition journey.

Its inclusion supports Antarctica21’s approach of combining air transfers, expedition cruising and pre-departure hospitality within a coordinated travel programme.

This integrated model is particularly relevant to international travellers undertaking complex, long-distance journeys to remote destinations.

Twenty-Five Years of Antarctic Air-Cruise Innovation

Antarctica21 introduced its Antarctic air-cruise concept in 2003, creating an alternative to traditional voyages across the Drake Passage.

The original model combined flights from southern Chile with small-ship Antarctic exploration.

Since then, the company has continued developing its expedition operations around this approach.

Brigitte Lämmle, Sales & Marketing Director of Antarctica21, said the 47 scheduled departures represented an important milestone in the company’s ambition to provide refined and responsible Antarctic experiences.

The anniversary season demonstrates how specialised operators are expanding travel choices within the Antarctic expedition market.

What the Expansion Means for Antarctic Tourism

The announcement provides travellers with more departure options while giving travel agents additional opportunities to sell Antarctic expeditions.

It also reinforces the commercial importance of Punta Arenas as an international polar tourism gateway.

With reservations now available for 2028-29, Antarctica21 is positioning its anniversary season around greater scheduling flexibility, established expedition operations and advance-booking incentives.

Conclusion — 50 Words

Antarctica21’s record 47 departures for 2028-29 represent an important milestone in Antarctic expedition tourism. With two specialised vessels, departures from Punta Arenas and substantial early-booking incentives, the company is expanding travel choices while maintaining its established air-cruise model, offering international visitors more opportunities to explore Antarctica’s extraordinary landscapes.